Monday, March 20, 2006

Thanking his thoughtfulness

A package arrived yesterday from a small college in Nebraska. Inside lay two sets of CD's; two thoughtful gifts from one lovely benefactor.

I wrote earlier of a gentleman, the Chair of this college's music department, who honored my request, taking it to a higher level and giving both my friend and I a collection of beautiful, a cappella choral music.

The gray-shadowed light was beginning to filter in through the school's doorway this morning when I took my friend aside and handed her a small, lavender bag. She read the card, smiled and gave me a hug for the sentiments I had shared, then reached for what lay between the tissue paper. It took just a moment for her to realize what they were and her face lit up with both surprise and pleasure. I told her the story of this wonderful man I had talked with who turned out to be, her choir director from nearly 20 years ago. She held the discs close as her smile grew wider and hugged me once more, saying, "This is the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me."

We all have the ability to make someone's day. I made a phone call and in return, was given the beautiful gift of thoughtfulness and inspiration from a man who is no longer a stranger, but a kindred spirit. He understood both my heart and my friend's longing for the sweet music of her youth. With one simple thought, and one grand gesture he reached out to embrace us both with a Christ-like grace. How beautiful for us all.